I’m still laughing as I write this—opening weekend of THE NERD at Westfield Community Players is an absolute hit. This is the kind of night at the theatre where you walk out lighter, happier, and already thinking about who you can bring with you next time. From the moment the show began, the audience was hooked, and by the end, we were roaring.
For anyone not familiar with the play by Larry Shue, THE NERD centers on Willum Cubbert, a mild-mannered architect who’s eager to thank the man who saved his life in Vietnam—only to discover that Rick Steadman, his unexpected guest, is… well… socially impossible. What follows is a brilliantly escalating comedy of manners (or lack thereof), as Rick bulldozes his way through Willum’s carefully constructed life, leaving chaos in his wake.
Jason Benjamin is terrific as Willum Cubbert, serving as the grounded center of the storm. His slow unraveling as Rick’s behavior becomes more outrageous is both believable and hilarious. Katy Cockrell brings charm and intelligence to Tansy McGinnis, giving the audience someone to root for amidst the madness, while Sean Buckley’s Axel Hammond adds just the right touch of theatrical flair and comedic exaggeration.
But let’s talk about the engine of the show—Brad Forenza as Rick Steadman, “The Nerd.” This role is a high-wire act, and Forenza absolutely commits. His physical comedy is fearless, his timing is razor sharp, and his ability to make the audience both cringe and laugh at the same time is impressive. He leans fully into Rick’s obliviousness without ever making him one-note, which keeps the character funny instead of frustrating. It’s a performance that drives the entire production, and he nails it.
The Waldgrave family adds another layer of comic gold. Joe Lozito is wonderfully frazzled as Warnock Waldgrave, capturing that perfect mix of anxiety and desperation. Paula Ehrenberg’s Clelia Waldgrave provides a great comedic counterbalance, and William Lozito as young Thor is a scene-stealer, delivering his moments with confidence and sharp comic instincts well beyond his years.
One of the biggest highlights of the night—the infamous dinner party game with bags over the characters’ heads—was pure comedic chaos in the best possible way. The timing, the physicality, the escalating absurdity… it all landed beautifully. You could feel the entire audience leaning forward, trying to catch every ridiculous beat while laughing nonstop. It’s the kind of scene that reminds you why farce, when done well, is such a joy.
The pacing throughout the production is spot-on, never letting the energy dip. Under the direction of Chris Peterson the cast clearly understands how to build a laugh and then top it, scene after scene. And underneath all the hilarity, there’s a surprisingly warm message about friendship, gratitude, and acceptance that gives the play a satisfying emotional core.
All in all, this is a wonderfully entertaining production from Westfield Community Players—polished, energetic, and genuinely funny. If you’re anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and grab a ticket. Shows like this are exactly why community theatre matters.
WESTFIELD COMMUNITY PLAYERS
1000 North Ave W
Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 232-1221
https://www.wcptheatre.org/
THE NERD runs thru 5/16/2026:
Details on the show and tickets here
Review submitted by:
Matthew Helmer
Author’s Bio:
Matthew Helmer is a longtime New Jersey theatre fan who rarely misses an opening weekend. A lover of comedy and classic plays, he’s happiest sitting in a darkened theatre surrounded by a crowd that’s ready to laugh together.
